Blackjack card game is popular not only in America but other countries too: Pontoon is the English variation of blackjack which is played only in European casinos or online; it is impossible to meet in Las Vegas casinos, but if you look for some new and interesting blackjack game, Pontoon would be rather interesting for you to try, online at least.
Pontoon has appeared in the beginning of the 20th century thanks to English soldiers who played this game in the army; but the version is that this blackjack variation had been developed in France during the time of Napoleon's governing. No matter where the truth is, but Pontoon has a lot of admirers today who determines it being their game of choice.
It is believed that Pontoon does not have any official rules and every casino has a right to determine its own set of rules for this game. Usually, players choose the minimum and maximum bet by themselves, and 5-8 players maximum can sit at the table while playing Pontoon.
As for the object of the game and card values, here they are the same with conventional blackjack and other blackjack variations: beat a dealer without exceeding 21 points. Two cards are dealt both for a player and a dealer (a player has his/her cards faced up, a dealer's cards are faced down).
2's - 10's = according to their numbers
Aces = 1 or 11 points
Remember that a dealer will be the winner till the time s/he busts! It means that s/he has a right to take an additional card every time when s/he needs it: when a dealer considers his/her cards being enough - players show their cards and determine a winner.
Pontoon - Blackjack or Natural (21 points got out of 2 initial cards).
Twist - Hit (taking an additional card for improving the final result).
Stick - Stand (taking no more cards and staying with your initial result).
Buy - Double Down (asking ONLY one more card and doubling your bet).
Pontoon = two initial cards which bring you 21 points (it is like Blackjack or Natural).
Five Card Trick = if you have a hand of 5 cards and it does not exceed 21, this hand will beat all card combinations except Pontoon; even if your total is less than other players have - you'll be a winner here.
3-4 cards of 21 points = if your hand of 3 or 4 cards brings you 21 points it will beat all hands except Pontoon and Five Card Trick.
If you like this blackjack variation, European Blackjack may become the game of your choice too.